AFTER DARK

Chapter 16

Sneaking in to my hotel room, I tried to avoid an encounter with Daria. I felt like a kid who had done some mischief -- only I was not a kid -- I was an individual with the power of taking my own decisions in life (which I never did previously, but that's a different matter).

Right now, Daria was sitting on the sofa, using her laptop. With a slow lift of the eyes, she gazed at me. Her gaze demanded an explanation from me, which she wasn't going to get; atleast not until she put away the fire in her eyes.

"Where were you?" She asked, after getting irritated by my indifference.
"With Rehan," I said, earnestly.
"I know that," she said, bluntly. "His secretary told me that ..."

My eyes popped out for a second, then I composed myself again.

"Where did you go? And why didn't you tell me?" She asked, demanding an answer from me.

I didn't like her tone, so I lowered my gaze and chose not to reply.

"I'm asking you something!"
"No, you're interrogating me," I said, ardently. I don't know where I found the courage from, but somehow, I felt like I could express my feelings to her.

The girl who had lost all expression in her life ... was finally able to express herself again. If anything, it was an achievement.

"Sarah?" Daria asked, her tone changing to more of concern than suspicion now. "I know it's your life ... and I know Rehan is a decent guy and all ... but you can't just get up and leave with him just like that. Mama specifically asked me to look after you ... for God sake -- what would've happened if Rehan left you at the beach and you drowned yourself in the sea?"
"DARIA!" I exclaimed. "You're right about not informing you ... but I'm not a little child who needs to be looked after 24/7 -- and 'drown myself'? Seriously?"

I shook my head, then walked over to the refrigerator to get a bottle of water. I never knew my sister could think so lowly of me.

"Hey! I was just worried sick okay? ... your phone was off too."
"We went to Al-Ain ... the signals were poor there."
"Could've left a message."
"I knew you would react this way ... didn't want to get into a debate with you and feel exhausted again."
"I drain your energy, Sarah?"
"Yeah ... all of you ... you guys want me to move on with my life ... but you constantly remind me of my helplessness. Being a victim once doesn't mean I'll remain a victim for life -- let me stand on my feet for once."

Shock waves washed away the concern on Daria's face, turning her pale. She probably wasn't expecting that.

"I've had a bad experience in life, but that doesn't mean everything that comes in my life will be bad. Rehan is a blessing sent from Allah, that's all I know."

It was true -- in his company -- I felt closer to Allah than I ever did before. He made me realise how Rehman and Raheem Almighty Allah is. And, he listened to all my silly stuff without much judgment, and made me smile like no one ever did before.

"You really believe that?" Daria asked, tilting her neck contemplatively.
"With him it just feels alright ... or as if ... all will be alright."
"Okay," she said putting her arm around me. "It's just that I don't want you to get hurt again..I really care for you."
"I know ... but don't you worry sis ... Allah never abandons His believers."
"Indeed..." she murmured, nodding her head. "If that's the way you see it ... then I'll be with you every step of the way ... through thick and thin."

She looked at me, then pulled me in for a warm sisterly hug.

Life was getting interesting now.